A Diplomatic Snub: US Says No to Olympics Pomp
The US snubs Beijing’s upcoming Olympics, saying it won’t send officials to the ceremonies because of China’s human rights record. But is this a meaningful act? I discuss with Monocle Radio:
Unexpected Guest at the Democracy Summit
I discuss Biden’s invitation to Taiwan to join his “Democracy Summit” in December, plus how the Honduras election is now a Beijing/Taipei issue with Monocle Radio.
Provocative…But Maybe Not Terrifying:
China’s Air games in the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone I discuss tensions in the air over Taiwan and China with Monocle Radio
More International Space for Taiwan – What Could That Mean?
I discuss the US hope for “more international space” for Taiwan with Monocle Radio.
Soft Power – Stirring Symbols in Times of Virus
I shared some thoughts with the News Decoder website. The original article is here . Here is the text: By David Schlesinger At the beginning of March, as the coronavirus crisis began to ravage Italy, Rome’s ambassador to the European Union wrote pointedly on the Politico news site that only a far-away friend, well outside..
Taiwan, China, the U.S. … and the Solomon Islands
I discuss the latest diplomatic and political moves with Monocle radio
What Kind of Periphery Does China Want?
I contributed the following to China File on Hong Kong’s recent protests and its relationship with China. The full discussion can be found here What defines China? This month’s massive protests in Hong Kong, whose triumphant return from colonial rule to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 only put off the ultimate question of what happens in..
Taiwan Arms Asks Get A Friendly Trump Ear
New tanks and new fighters – Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen hints that the US may be ready to risk China’s anger and sell the island some upgrades. I discuss Tsai’s Palau, Nauru and Marshall Islands jaunt and her crucial Hawaii stop over with Monocle radio. You can listen here:
“My War Eagles Are Flying Around The Treasured Island” – China/Taiwan tension at the Lunar New Year
The always heated rhetoric between China and Taiwan has ratcheted up another notch at the Lunar New Year, with China even issuing a soft-porn like military video entitled “My War Eagles Are Flying Around The Treasured Island”. The video, which should be seen to be believed, can be viewed here. Monocle radio invited Professor Steven..
Taiwan’s Gay Marriage Vote
Taiwan’s raucous democracy is set for a referendum on gay marriage this Saturday – I discussed with Monocle Radio 24.